By Michelle Ducut
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) expects significant improvements in sports and sports tourism events in the Philippines after 26 sports faculty representatives from 20 higher education institutions (HEIs) completed a two-week training program in Malaysia.
The training, held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), focused on organizing major sports events and promoting sports tourism. It provided participants with knowledge on the science behind sports tourism, financial and administrative challenges, and practical skills for planning and executing large-scale sports events.
Representatives from HEIs such as Bukidnon State University, Sorsogon State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and the National University, among others, joined the program. These institutions have previously hosted major events including Palarong Pambansa, SCUAA, PRISAA, UAAP, and NCAA competitions.
The short course featured modules on problem-solving, decision-making, and case studies, preparing participants to address real-world challenges in managing sports events.
CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III highlighted the program’s alignment with the ASEAN work plan on sports for 2021-2025, emphasizing its role in fostering community building and advancing sustainable development goals.
“CHED is proud to collaborate with UKM to help strengthen the Philippine sports industry. This training empowers our participants to plan and implement activities in their HEIs, athletic leagues, and local communities upon their return,” De Vera said.
Funded by CHED, the initiative is expected to enhance the quality of sports activities organized by HEIs and foster partnerships with local governments to boost sports tourism across the country.